Eulalia Ramirez Sandoval  was born July 14th 1933 in Donna Texas.

Lala passed away peacefully on December 5th, 2014 surrounded by her family.

 

Her given name was Eulalia but she was lovingly known to all as Lala. She was the third of thirteen children born in Donna, Texas, a small rural town in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. Although her family was poor they were rich in the love they all had for each other.

 

Many years later while Lala was running an errand at the post office, Phil saw her and was instantly smitten.  He asked someone, “Who is that girl standing there?” 

“That’s Willie Ramirez’s sister” his friend replied. She had grown up while he was away serving in the Army.  Phil said, “I’m going to marry her!”  So he set out to win her heart.  And win her heart he did, as they married shortly thereafter in 1954. 

 

Their first home was in Chicago, Illinois, where Phil was enrolled at DeVry Technical Institute. They settled there for three years, welcoming into their lives their first child David, and fourteen months later their daughter, Mary. After graduating in 1957, Phil landed a job with Lockheed in Sunnyvale, California.  The Sandoval’s relocated to California and their family increased with the addition of Debbie, Michael and John. 

 

Years later Phil and Lala moved the family to San Jose where life was full with their five children. Lala was the heart of the family, as Homemaker and Mother; she always welcomed her family home from work and school. Every day provided home cooked meals, fresh tortillas and baked goods. The house was always filled neighborhood children, pets, extended family and laughter.   

 

There were camping trips, cross country vacations, fishing, hiking and lots of picnics. Lala enjoyed gardening and spending time with family and friends and one could always hear TexMex and Country music streaming out of the radio.

 

After Phil retired they decided to move to Twain Harte and enjoyed a very active lifestyle. They joined hiking, and theater groups. Not only did they volunteer for community services, they led and spearheaded countless fundraising activities that helped their new community. They were leaders within the Interfaith Agency and they provided service and guidance to all in need in Tuolumne County.  

 

Their house was in the mountains, amid redwood trees, in a beautiful woodland setting. On a daily basis they were entertained by visiting deer, squirrels, birds and wildlife. Lala had a group of regular deer visitors, which she fed every day; she would toss out lettuce, carrots and apples. The grandkids would take her cue and every time the kids saw apples or carrots for the evening dinner they would toss them out for the deer to visit Lala. Needless to say apples and carrots were always missing and were later found outside by the deck.  The deer always wandered quite close to her as she built trust by feeding them, never scaring them. 

 

Their large, covered deck was the setting for many barbeques, come rain, snow or sunshine. The mountains were turned into a winter wonderland every winter, and Lala so enjoyed the beauty of the snow.

 

Lala and Phil had THE great epic love story.  They were married almost 61 years and remained very much in love until her passing. They behaved like newlyweds by holding hands or standing with their arms around each other.  Always referencing each other with loving words and nick names throughout their whole marriage.  

 

Eulalia Sandoval 

- Born July 14th, 1933

- Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister,  Daughter, Aunt, Cousin, Comadre, Confidante and Friend.

- Sadly mom left us on December 5th, 2014.

 

​We created this website to remember our mother; to share memories and stories of her and to remember the happy times.  Below is a place where you can share your thoughts.  We would love to hear them.